FINANCE MINISTRY EXTENDS FREEZE ON TRAVEL, OVERTIME & GPOs TO MARCH 2026

Article By: Diana Motsu

The Ministry of Finance has extended the freeze on government travel, overtime payments and Government Purchase Orders as part of efforts to curb public spending.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry Dr. Tshokologo Kganetsano says most ministries have failed to cut travel and overtime costs as required, prompting the extension to March 2026.

Under the directive, ministries may only use up to 50% of their travel budgets, with trips restricted to essential duties and small delegations.

According to Kganetso, overtime is suspended for departments that have already reached half of their allocation, while the freeze on GPOs remains in force, with only urgent or emergency requests allowed.